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Trojans Stay Classy In San Diego

USC boats hit the starting line at 6:00AM on Feb. 24 with lights on boats and hats, they took on the San Diego State Aztec and University of San Diego Torero crews in a scrimmage at Mission Bay, Calif. Weather conditions were good but racing became more difficult as bay regulars began to arrive at the water. However, the opportunity to test their speed against other squads was welcome by coaches and rowers alike. After hosting last year, USC made the trip south to return the favor to the San Diego schools. All of the days proceedings were cordial with each of the squads extending warm greetings to each other prior to and after the races.

Junior port and co-captain Ligita Kaviere said, 'We take every team we race seriously. We had to be focused today and we came out and won our races.'

Freshman stroke Gabriela Varekova said, 'It was our first race so we were able to finally compare ourselves to others and see how we are doing.'

On the day, the Trojan boats took nearly every race comfortably. The Trojan coaches claimed their own victory, seizing the opportunity to test a variety of lineups in each of the varsity boats. The two Varsity Eight boats and two Varsity Four boats each raced three pieces across the bay. The Novice Eight raced twice on the day.

Senior captain Jessica Smith said, 'It was a fun row and our boats did well. We encountered some wake issues but it was a good learning experience for us since we will be back down here for the San Diego Crew Classic in late March.'

The different boatings and numerous races allowed for heated competition amongst the Trojans themselves who were able to see both Varekova and sophomore Robin Hextrum at stroke. The two varsity eight boats were coxed by redshirt junior Lauren Cowan and sophomore Denise Kobashikawa. The fours were coxed by redshirt senior Anna Liberovsky and sophomore Lisa Sabalvaro.

Cowan said, 'We weren't sure what to expect coming out here but it was nice to be able to race with other crews. It gave us something other than ourselves to focus on.'

Up next for the Women of Troy is spring camp at Lake Natoma, Calif. on Mar. 17 where they will scrimmage against Sacramento State.